The Indonesian Air Force is considering purchasing six additional Su-30MK fighter jets from Russia to enhance the country’s air defence capability.
Air Force chief of staff Marshal Imam Sufaat said the purchase would be part of the Ministry of Defence’s long-term agenda, according to the Jakarta Post.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has already approved the acquisition, which will add to the existing ten Su-30MK fighters that the air force has bought from Russia since 2003.
Sufaat said the existing squadron of Sukhoi fighters was insufficient to protect the vast country and the new fighters jets will increase Indonesia’s strength ahead of Malaysia, which has 18 Sukhois.
Indonesia purchased six Sukhoi aircraft from Russia in August 2007 for $300m.
